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Preliminary Survey Report, Control Technology for Engineering Controls in Hospitals at St. Joseph Hospital, Denver, Colorado.

Authors

Spottswood-SE; Kercher-SL

Source

NIOSH 1983 Sep:22 pages

Link

NIOSHTIC No.

00130203

Abstract

The gas sterilization and anesthesia administration operations in the Central Supply and Surgery Departments of St. Joseph Hospital (SIC-8062), Denver, Colorado were studied on October 29, 1982. The objective of the control technology feasibility study was to obtain information on the techniques and procedures used for maintaining low concentrations of hazardous chemical substances in hospitals by use of practicable and commercially available control technology. Ethylene-oxide (75218) (EtO) was used to sterilize heat sensitive items in the Central Supply Department. The primary engineering control in used in the sterilization area was general dilution ventilation. Each of 15 operating rooms (OR) was equipped with an anesthesia machine designed to deliver nitrous-oxide mixed with oxygen. Engineering controls in the OR included general dilution ventilation and local exhaust (scavenging) of the anesthetic gases. The authors conclude that dilution ventilation alone produces such low velocity air movement that EtO concentrations cannot be effectively reduced at the sterilizer release point. The use of low flow anesthesia in the OR, which improves the effectiveness of gas scavenging, provides an effective control procedure in conjunction with good work practices.